Following Get Carter was never
going to be easy, and Hodge threw a lot of fans by changing tack with this
comedy effort. Caine appears for the director again, this time as a trash novel
author who travels to Malta to help write faded film star Rooney's memoirs.
While researching the actor's past, Caine uncovers a scandal involving some of
the island's more disreputable characters and becomes involved in a thuggish
plot that could have graced one of his own novels. Very funny in places, not
least because of Rooney's unusually acute, self-parodying performance and
Hodges' deft handling of visual gags.

Although the MGM DVD is dual-layered and
progressive the image is somewhat unremarkable looking hazy in spots with dull
colors. The audio is clean and clear and it sports optional subtitles.
The screen captures give a fair representation.

There are
no extras and I had trouble getting into this film which is unusual as I
really like Michael Caine. Needless to say this is not a glowing
recommendation
but the price
is right if you at all have any inkling.